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Saturday, December 12, 2015

Moments With Mercy - Interview With Darren Morton!

Hey y'all, I wanted to share an interview I was just recently able to do with Darren Morton of Jay Parrack and Vocal Event. First let me tell you a little bit about them.

"With a soothing blend of old southern gospel, to an upbeat, contemporary harmonic mix, Vocal Event is a group that brings versatility and southern roots to their audience. This Gadsden, Alabama based trio brings to the southern gospel scene, Darren Morton – Baritone, Anthony “Bubba” Hallman – lead, and former Gold City Tenor Jay Parrack. Jay Parrack, sang with Gold City for over ten years and remains one of the leading tenors in gospel music. He brings with him, a heritage of gospel roots and embeds them within the harmony of this group. Audiences have proven to instantly fall in love with the smooth contemporary sounds of Vocal Event as well as to their unique arrangements of old gospel hymns. This group is grounded to their southern roots and is committed to delivering a trio sound that appeals to the very soul of true gospel music. With Jay Parrack’s unique tenor sound and the blend of Darren and ‘Bubba’, they prove to provide not only entertainment but a time of true worship straight from the words of scripture as well as from new words of worship and praise. Darren Morton and “Bubba” Hallman blend perfectly with Jay Parrack with a ‘smooth as silk’ sound that eases the senses. Their first project, “Simply Southern”, released in 2012, is a collection of Southern Gospel days gone by that you will most definitely come to love all over again. Their 2nd project "Sometimes He Whispers", brought them their first top 25 hit with its title release. They are currently producing their 3rd project...Jay Parrack and Vocal Event LIVE soon to be released! Each member of Vocal Event has a sound of his own, and each sound blends into a perfect harmony of old time gospel reunion. Jay Parrack and Vocal Event is a group sure to win yourheart, as they proclaim the very heart of Jesus through their own love for gospel music and its irresistable heritage and sound."

And now for the interview.

1. Tell us a little bit about you and your family.
"My wife Jill and I have been married for 10 years and have 2 daughters, Peyton who is 6 and Anna Reese who is 2."

2. When did you get saved?
"I was saved in June of 1981."

3. How did you get started in SGM?
"I began singing tenor with a regional quartet named RiversBend when I was 18. After 12 years the group stopped performing. Then I started Skyline Drive in 2006 and sang lead for them until I began singing baritone with Jay Parrack & Vocal Event when the group was formed."

4. What is something most people don't know about you?
"I own and am chief engineer at Gat3 Midsouth Recording in Gadsden, AL and have recorded and mixed records for many of the top artists in Southern Gospel Music."

5. What is your favorite Bible verse?
"Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

6. What is your favorite song?
"Currently it is "Sometimes He Whispers" by JPVE. That song has ministered to each of us and thousands of other people across the country. The message is so powerful and I am honored to get to sing it."

7. What is your favorite place to eat?
"Currently it is an Italian restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama named Bellini's."

8. Share a memory from being on the road.
"For me it is a series of memories...dreams actually that God has allowed to become a reality. Being able to share the stage with godly men who I use to call my heroes, now I can call my friends. That to me is a huge blessing that God has given me. It is a great honor and responsibility we have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever we go, not just on stage but everyday wherever we are. Our lives must mirror our hearts as we try to do our part in leading others to Christ."

9. What are your hobbies?
"I enjoy hosting small groups, recording music, golf and mostly spending time with my wife and daughters."

10. Where do you call home?
"We live in Birmingham, Alabama."

Darren, thank you so much for doing this. Readers, I hope you enjoyed! And remember if Jay Parrack and Vocal Event are ever around you make sure you go see them!
Thanks for reading.
~Mercy